High levels of nutrients – from animal waste, fertilizer, etc. – wash into our rivers and streams and can degrade Rhode Island’s water quality. The RI Department of Health recently issued an advisory about harmful to humans (and pets!) blue/green algae appearing in some Rhode Island waterbodies, including Elm Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and the Japanese Gardens in Roger Williams Park. The Providence Parks Department is addressing water quality at the Park by shepherding and installing “green infrastructure” projects that help to filter and treat “stormwater” and reduce phosphorus (nutrient) contamination. Techniques include bioretention gardens, pavement removal, infiltration basins and flumes to redirect stormwater. You too can help by not feeding the ducks or geese that congregate at the water’s edge! Learn more about green infrastructure at www.greeninfrastructureri.org
